Covid-19: It might Bend you, but don’t let it Break you.

Covid-19 has presented most of us with a number of unforeseen challenges. Although we are embracing a positive mindset, and having hope that this too shall pass, we need to make sure we build resilience, in order to bounce back from a setback like this effectively. Resilience is that ineffable quality that allows some people to be knocked down by life and come back stronger than ever. Rather than letting failure overcome them and drain their resolve, they find a way to rise from the ashes. Psychologists have identified some of the factors that make someone resilient, among them a positive attitude, optimism, the ability to regulate emotions, and the ability to see failure as a form of helpful feedback. Even after misfortune, resilient people are blessed with such an outlook that they are able to change course and soldier on.

Our advice: BEND, but don’t BREAK!

Here are some
practical tips to build resilience:

Accept that change is a
part of living. Certain
goals may no longer be attainable as a result of adverse situations. Accepting
circumstances that cannot be changed can help you focus on circumstances that
you can alter.

Make connections. Good relationships (in this case virtual relationships) with close family members, friends or others are important. Accepting help and support from those who care about you and will listen to you strengthens resilience. Some people find that being active in civic groups, faith-based organizations, or other local groups provides social support and can help with reclaiming hope. Assisting others in their time of need also can benefit the helper.

Avoid seeing crises as
insurmountable problems. You can’t change the fact that highly stressful events happen, but
you can change how you interpret and respond to these events. Try looking
beyond the present to how future circumstances may be a little better. Note any
subtle ways in which you might already feel somewhat better as you deal with
difficult situations.

Accept that change is a
part of living. Certain
goals may no longer be attainable as a result of adverse situations. Accepting
circumstances that cannot be changed can help you focus on circumstances that
you can alter.

Move toward your goals. Develop some realistic goals. Do something regularly — even if it seems like a small accomplishment — that enables you to move toward your goals. Instead of focusing on tasks that seem unachievable, ask yourself, “What’s one thing I know I can accomplish today that helps me move in the direction I want to go?”

Take decisive actions. Act on adverse situations as much as you can. Take decisive actions, rather than detaching completely from problems and stresses and wishing they would just go away. During the Covid-19 lock down, you might have more time on your hands – use it wisely.

Look for opportunities for self-discovery. People often learn something about themselves and may find that they have grown in some respect as a result of their struggle with loss. Many people who have experienced tragedies and hardship have reported better relationships, greater sense of strength even while feeling vulnerable, increased sense of self-worth, a more developed spirituality and heightened appreciation for life. Covid-19 forces us to so some self-discovery, make use of the opportunity.

Keep things in
perspective. Even
when facing very painful events, try to consider the stressful situation in a
broader context and keep a long-term perspective. Avoid blowing the event out
of proportion.

Maintain a hopeful outlook. An optimistic outlook enables you to expect that good things will happen in your life. Try visualizing what you want, rather than worrying about what you fear. The Covid-19 situation shall pass, but for now, remain hopeful.